The excitement is easy to explain, again because such a facility is long overdue for various departments and clubs.  Further, the potential for it to service and benefit people and arts organizations outside of the Queen’s bubble is promising.  As for my apprehension, well that’s more of a laundry list of unknowns.

First off, the Limestone City has a fantastic shoreline, yet time and again decisions are made to develop too close to it, thereby deterring sight lines, public access, and any sort of a waterfront pathway.  Essentially, I needed to see the fine details of the site plan before I could be confident that it would not impact public space.  Secondly the tenants of the Tett Centre who will be displaced.  Sure the new Queen’s performing arts centre will benefit the surrounding community, but I doubt the university is keen to give away free space to the previous tenants.  Last but not least is the preservation of the current, historic building.

The availability of numerous renderings of the building, as well as various publications regarding what’s in store for the centre have slightly resolved my concern, but not fully.  Last week, Queen’s provided a bit of positive insight as they announced that they would make small changes to the design to accommodate historic preservation.  They will present their compromise to city officials on Tuesday, August 24th.  In a press release, Ann Browne, Associate Vice-Principal (Facilities) states:

We look forward to continuing to work with the City in addressing elements that still need to be resolved, and moving this exciting project forward. It’s important that we strike a balance between preserving key heritage features and being fiscally responsible within our budget. The University has a proud tradition of celebrating our historical roots and the architects have created a stunning façade that respects the history of the buildings and of Kingston.

What do you think?  Will community, accessibility, history and heritage aspects get paid the respect their due?  Or, will the city look the other way as Queen’s latest crown jewel leaves a bad taste on the shore of Kingston’s waterfront?  Please be sure to drop off your comments below.

Downtown Kingston recently announced the 2010 schedule of upcoming movies in Springer Market Square.  Similar to last year’s lineup, there is a decent selection of family-friendly flicks and classics that span the past few decades. A complete rundown is as follows:

• 24 June: Mamma Mia
• 15 July: The NeverEnding Story
• 22 July: The Natural
• 29 July: Annie
• 5 August: Arthur
• 12 August: Some Like it Hot
• 19 August: Finding Nemo
• 26 August: Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl
• 2 September: The Princess & The Frog

Last year, my only bit of constructive criticism was that the schedule needed to include some more adult and teen friendly films.  At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I think the same could be said about this year’s selections.  While some of these films are bound to appeal to a wide audience, I guess I’m looking for more action and adventure.  That said, Movies in the Square is well attended, and therefore, perhaps it would be unwise to tinker with the winning formula.  What say you?  For regular attendees, is this a great lineup that’s bound to get you out?  And for those who’ve never been, are you likely to take in a Movie in the Square this year?  If not, what film would it take to get you out?

Thanks to wahlander for the delicious, buttery popcorn photo.

I’m happy to let the camera and Luke do the talking, but I should offer a bit of a warning: squeamish folks may not enjoy watching him prepare one of his signature dishes, which begins around the 5 minute mark of the first video.

The KCFF was started back in 2001 by Alex Jansen, a Queen’s film student who ran the 3-day festival out of the Screening Room.  As described on KCFF’s website:

Over the years the festival has continued to develop, launching the Local Filmmaking Initiative to provide educational and networking opportunities for local filmmakers, presenting a high school outreach program, guaranteeing the inclusion of French languages films at each festival, and adding retrospective screenings and a Master class.

This year the Kingston Canadian Film Festival spans 5 days, with screenings at Capitol 7, The Grand Theatre, as well as the original venue, The Screening Room.  While there’s over 24 Canadian films and shorts showing at this year’s festival, my “must see” list is purely based upon which films generated the most buzz on the festival circuit.  Accordingly, I’m really looking forward to checking out these three in particular:

• Passenger Side: Two brothers spend the day driving around Los Angeles county looking for the meaning of their lives, or cheap street drugs, depending on who you happen to believe.
• The Trotsky: A precocious Montreal teen believes that he is the reincarnation of the Russian revolutionary leader, Leon Trotsky, and he’s determined to duplicate every aspect of Trotsky’s life, including being exiled, and assassinated.
• Defendor: Arthur Poppington is a regular but delusional man who believes that he is a superhero named Defendor. He combs the city streets at night in search of his arch enemy, Captain Industry, befriending a young prostitute in his quest.

If you’re a film buff like I am but have never made it out to the Kingston Canadian Film Fest, I promise that you’ll enjoy what it has to offer. For more information on what’s playing at the 10th annual KCFF, including the free and paid workshops, please check out the festival’s schedule.

There was once a time not so long ago when people thought supermodels were la crème de la crème.  Supermodels were idolized!  Like little plastic dolls, they were everywhere and could be scene everywhere.  If you walked by one, you knew her name.  If you saw one, you knew her name.  Iman, Elle, Linda, Naomi; the names go on and on.

During this devotion to beauty, there was a new dance craze hitting the dance floor.  It was called Vogue.  You may remember a very popular song by Madonna by that same name.  That’s no coincidence.  But where did Vogue come from?

In the groundbreaking film Paris is Burning you see the crucible that created Vogue.  During an often repressive era, Vogue was a sublime mixture of queer culture and modelling.  Cameras ready, prepare to flash, strike a pose for the camera, Vogue!

The film shares the stories of gay African-American and Hispanic men in New York during the 80s.  Through candid interviews, we discover a rich sub-culture of drag queens, “Houses”, and opulent Balls where people compete for various honours such as who can “pass” in straight society or the best Vogue.  The title Paris is Burning comes from the name of one of these famous Balls.

Paris is Burning was a sensation when it ran in 1990.  It received much acclaim, except for a nomination for an Academy Award.  However, many people say this film was the beginning of a new form of queer cinema.  In fact, it was a direct influence for a local documentarian who created a film Kingston is Burning, which interviewed local drag queens in Kingston.

I would be lying if I said the film had not influenced me.  Seeing and hearing stories from all those strong and vibrant characters gives me much comfort and strength.  The power of the film is intoxicating.  You can’t help but be swept up.  You begin to feel like you could be one of those spectators as someone sashes down the runway.  “Learn it and Love it” as one Ball judge espouses.

It is one of those films that needs to be seen, especially if you are queer.  I dare say that it should be on a mandatory list of films you must see before you can call yourself a drag queen.  Luckily, you and many others can see it on the big screen in Kingston.

Paris is Burning and many other amazing films and videos will be screened starting tomorrow (Thursday, January 28^th) for ReelOut 11.  ReelOut Queer Film + Video Festival celebrates 11 years with 10 full consecutive days of films.  How many films?  58 in total!  Check out Reelout 11′s website for a list of all the films, schedules, and locations.

This weekend David will be performing his orchestral show twice with our own Kingston Symphony and I was lucky enough to attend last night’s rehearsal and to have a chat with him.  Born in Cornwall, David moved to Kingston at the age of 2 and has always considered Kingston home.   David is no stranger to the Grand Theatre having spent countless hours rehearsing and performing there with Kingston’s various community theatre groups.  He performed over half a dozen shows with two of our major companies, The Kinsmen Club and The Kingston Meistersingers and spent summers with Kingston Summer Theatre (who no longer exist but the void has been filled by wonderful groups such as The Barefoot Players, Child’s Play Summer Festival and The Wellington Street Theatre‘s various summer productions).

As a student at Bayridge Secondary School, David was afforded the opportunity to perform in a different musical for each of the five years he was there.  He attributes his choice to continue on in music, and his successes, to the ample opportunities he had growing up in Kingston.   After high school, David moved to Toronto to attend George Brown and to pursue the dream, and the theatre gods have definitely smiled upon him.  And for good reason.

Last night’s rehearsal was full of stops and starts as it was the first run with David for our symphony, but I was highly entertained watching it all come together and seeing the energy he puts into every word.  Not only does he sing all the great tunes from shows like Oklahoma!, Phantom of The Opera, Cats, Jekyll and Hyde, Kiss Me Kate, My Fair Lady and Kiss of the Spider Woman (to name a few), but he changes costumes and characters right there on stage, jumps from one song to another and narrates the whole thing himself – and he’s very funny.  He keeps his audience involved too, coming right down from the stage to talk to people during the show.

This is not David’s first show with the KSA, he was here two years ago when the symphony was performing at The Kingston Gospel Temple during to the Grand Theatre’s renovations.  When I spoke to a few symphony members during the break, they were quite enthusiastic about the upcoming performances.  One violinist commented:

The truth is, when we see a Broadway show on our schedule, there’s sometimes a bit of groaning.  Not that we don’t enjoy theatre, but many of us have played this music over and over again in pit orchestras.  However, when David comes to town it’s another story.  He offers something different being up on stage all by himself.  It’s amazing to watch him transform from one character to another, and his show is so energetic and polished, it’s a real pleasure to watch and to be a part of.

The last time David was in Kingston, the show sold out quickly and was such a huge success that the KSA is performing it twice this weekend.  If you saw it last time, you probably want to see it again anyway, but you’ll be reassured to know that it is not the same show.  This time David has brought two wonderful female vocalists to join him.  June Crowley has performed lead roles in numerous shows across Canada, most notably having played the role of Christine in Phantom of the Opera in Toronto.  Susan Gilmour has performed internationally, including playing lead roles on Broadway.

Whether you are a fan of musical theatre or not, this weekend’s shows promise to be highly entertaining and a great way to introduce yourself to the KSA if you aren’t already acquainted.  The two performances are Friday and Saturday at The Grand at 8pm.  Tickets are still available through the Grand Theatre Box Office.

While wandering around downtown last night, I came across a glimmer of hope, which somewhat restored my faith in film.  Springer Market Square was brimming with lawn chairs and blankets, as a sizable audience assembled to watch Mrs. Doubtfire, showing as a part of Movies in Square.  Most attendees had probably already seen this flick, or were otherwise capable of viewing it in the comfort of their own homes.  That said, there’s something about the outdoor cinematic experience, which has the ability to transform mediocre movies into magical ones. With seven remaining chances to catch a Movie in the Square, you’d be foolish not to attend.

Happy Friday! In case, you’re looking for something to do this weekend, be sure to check out our event calendar.  Otherwise, please visit our Flickr for more photos of Movies in the Square, and the local Drive-In.

The City of Kingston has just announced their latest schedule of upcoming movies in our picturesque Market Square.  Similar to last year’s lineup, there are a good selection of family friendly flicks, blockbusters, and classics that span the past few decades.  A complete rundown is as follows:

• 25 June:  Hook
• 2 July:  The Goonies
• 16 July:  Mrs Doubtfire
• 23 July:  Singin’ in the Rain
• 30 July:  My Girl
• 6 August:  Rocky
• 13 August:  Contact
• 20 August:  Homeward Bound – The Incredible Journey
• 27 August:  The Aristocats
• 3 September:  A League of Their Own

As I’ve said, it’s a pretty good mix, however I’d love it if the City involved the public in the film selection process.  In the future, they should open up a few dates, take nominations, and poll people online.  Off the top of my head, a few of my nominations would be:  Dazed and Confused, Labyrinth, Die Hard, and Indiana Jones.    What sort of movies would you like to see in the Square? Are any of the above mentioned features going to coax you out to see a (free) movie this Summer?

Thanks to jmacphoto.com for the delicious, buttery popcorn photo.

• X-Men Origins: Wolverine (1 May)
• Star Trek (today, 8 May)
• Angels and Demons (15 May)
• Terminator Salvation (21 May)
• Night At The Museum 2: Battle Of The Smithsonian (22 May)
• Pixar’s Up (29 May)
• Land of the Lost (5 June)
• Year One (19 June)
• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (24 June)
• Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (1 July)
• Bruno (10 July)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (15 July)
• G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra (7 August)
• Inglorious Basterds (21 August)

Keep in mind that all screenings are double features, and that the cost is $10/adults, $2/kids, or $16 on carload nights.  I can’t wait for our first trip, which will likely be May 16th.  What movies are you looking forward to?  Special thanks to julep67 for her photo of the Kingston Family Funworld’s Drive-In at dusk.

I can still remember my first trip to a drive-in movie theatre back in the 80′s. Although the excitement associated with the new experience ultimately clouds my recollection of the plot, my clearest memory from that majestic evening is of the film’s catchy theme song. As the credits began to roll, we drove away from the drive-in while listening to Ray Parker Jr’s iconic tune for Ghostbusters.  Following the success of the original motion picture, and an animated series that aired on Saturday mornings, Ghostbusters II was released 5 years later to mixed reviews. Regardless of the success of the sequel, the studio shelved the franchise back in 1989.

Over two decades later, I can honestly say that I’m still entertained by the on-screen antics of those paranormal investigators:  Venkmen (Bill Murray), Spengler (Harold Ramis), and Stantz (Dan Ackroyd).  Apparently I’m not the only one.  Most recently, nostalgic fan boys and girls encouraged a re-birth of the franchise, which resulted in a new Ghostbusters video game (coming June 2009) written by Ramis and Ackroyd, including the voices and likeness of many of the original cast members.  But it doesn’t end there, as rumors of a new sequel, prequel or reboot of the franchise also began to surface on the Internet.  Kingston’s own Dan Ackroyd confirmed reports that “two sharp young writers in Hollywood are purported to be writing the third movie”, and he expressed his excitement over the potential involvement of Seth Rogan (star of Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, Zack and Miri Make a Porno etc.) and Judd Apatow (creative mind behind The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad etc.).

The good news gets even better, as Ackroyd dropped a bombshell on the Limestone City this past weekend, suggesting that location scouts were narrowing down possible film sites around Kingston.  According to insider reports, backdrops for the third installment of Ghostbusters may include the abandoned Rockwood Psychiatric Hospital, Kingston City Hall’s basement archives, as well as major street corners downtown.  Although there’s no definitive start date for filming, IMDB has Ghostbusters III listed as in production, with a release date (subject to change) scheduled for 2010.

The last time a “major” motion picture filmed in Kingston was back in 1998 when HBO’s Vendetta, starring Christoper Walken, transformed the front steps of City Hall into New Orleans circa 1891.  Like many other Kingstonians, I was fortunate enough to get on as a paid extra during a day of filming.  It’s an experience I’ll never forget.  With the high probability of Ghostbusters III filming in the Limestone City, there will undoubtedly be opportunities for Kingstonians to get hired on as extras once again.  This, coupled with random celebrity sightings, and the pride associated with seeing Kingston in a big budget blockbuster movie make me want to scream and shout:  Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!

Special thanks and credit to baldheretic (aka Jay Lee) for his up close and personal photo of Dan Ackroyd.